Liberal Democrats’ Commitment to Cultural Regeneration in Newcastle 

Newcastle upon Tyne is rich in cultural heritage, historic charm, and a lively arts scene. As the Liberal Democrats’ candidate for Newcastle Central and West, I'm passionate about driving our city's cultural regeneration, making it a vibrant hub for diverse events where people can come together to express themselves, view excellence and take part at all levels from the grass roots to the international stage.  

And that’s why I’m delighted to endorse the commitments to culture and sports – particularly at the grass roots - which the Party has made in its manifesto for the General Election. 

Embracing Our Sporting Heritage 

Football is central to Newcastle's identity, with St. James' Park standing as a testament to our city's deep-rooted love for the game. This passion brings together fans of all ages, creating a unique and unifying atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the globe. Rugby also holds a special place here, with the Newcastle Falcons excelling in Rugby Union. 

But there's more to our sporting landscape. The Vertu Motors Arena, home to the Newcastle Eagles (pictured), showcases our city's growing cultural and sporting scene. This arena hosts basketball games, MMA fights, concerts, conferences, and community events, positioning Newcastle as a dynamic and inclusive destination.  

Basketball has become a major force for community engagement and youth development. The Newcastle Eagles inspire young people by providing opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and skill development. The packed arena for Team GB's games against Latvia and the Netherlands highlights our city's increasing enthusiasm for basketball. 

You can find more details on our sports manifesto at https://www.libdems.org.uk/manifesto - in section 17 

Celebrating Artistic and Cultural Heritage 

Newcastle's cultural regeneration extends beyond sports. Our city is home to numerous galleries, theatres, and music venues that enrich our cultural life. The Laing Art Gallery, Theatre Royal, and Newcastle Castle are key landmarks attracting both locals and visitors. These institutions nurture creativity and offer platforms for artists to showcase their talents. 

 The Liberal Democrats' 2024 manifesto includes several commitments that align perfectly with Newcastle’s cultural goals: 

Promotion of Creative Skills: We are dedicated to enhancing creative skills, removing financial barriers for small creative businesses, and supporting modern copyright and licensing rules to help artists thrive  

Cultural Funding and Access: By maintaining free access to national museums and galleries, we ensure that everyone can enjoy our cultural heritage, making it a cornerstone of community life    

Participation in Creative Europe: Rejoining the Creative Europe programme will boost funding for cultural projects, fostering innovation and growth in Newcastle’s creative sectors . 

Support for Artists: We will facilitate straightforward travel arrangements for UK artists to perform in the EU and vice versa, enriching our cultural exchanges and opportunities for artists . 

These initiatives highlight our commitment to investing in Newcastle's cultural infrastructure. By supporting both traditional and emerging activities, we aim to create a community where arts, sports, and creativity flourish together.